April 10, 2026
US-Hungary Partnership, Immigration Courts, CEQ, Masters Tournament, National Former Prisoner of War Day, FLOTUS Speaks, And More
On April 9, 2026, the White House published the Fact Sheet Advancing the United States-Hungary Bilateral Partnership was reinforced by Vice President JD Vance's visit to Hungary. Energy cooperation was strengthened through Hungary's purchase of US crude oil, a front-end engineering study to facilitate installation of 10 Small Modular Reactors in Hungary, and a lifetime extension of Paks1 nuclear power plant. Commercial ties and AI cooperation was deepened through creation of an Oncology Center of Excellence in Hungary, arranging digital and AI training solutions for small and medium sized enterprises, and creating secure digital infrastructure for public institutions. Regional peace, security, and defense cooperation was secured through Hungary's procurement of US High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) incorporating L3 Harris communication technology ensuring interoperability with NATO and US Forces, as well as a new joint effort to develop a geosynchronous satellite capability to advance Hungary's national security.
On April 9, 2026, the White House published the release Era of Amnesty Is Over: President Trump Restores Rule of Law to Immigration Courts by removing activist judges and replacing them with professionals committed to enforcing immigration law, not undermining it. He began by authorizing 600 Judge Advocate General (JAG) military lawyers to process immigration cases. He then began removing activist judges from the immigration law bench. This has been followed by appointing new judges to the immigration law bench. These actions have caused asylum grant rates to plunge to 7% (Obama & Biden rubber stamped over 50% of cases). There has also been a 57% increase in deportations and removal orders. The addition of JAG lawyers has helped reduced the immigration court backlog with hundreds of thousands of cases being cleared since Inauguration Day 2025. The release states:
President Trump promised to end the open borders nightmare — and he is delivering on that promise with unrelenting force. The era of catch-and-release, mass releases, and activist judicial amnesty is over.
On April 9, 2026, the White House published the release CEQ Issues Guidance on Categorical Exclusions explaining to Federal departments & agencies how to establish, revise, adopt, and apply categorical exclusions (CE) IAW National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Council on Environmental Quality Chair Katherine Scarlett states:
It should never take longer to permit a critical infrastructure project than it takes to build it. Federal permitting needs to work better and the Trump administration is committed to making that happen. Today, we’re announcing guidance to help agencies identify an off-ramp from unnecessary levels of environmental review, where appropriate. By focusing analysis on where it’s truly needed, American infrastructure projects can move forward more efficiently while maintaining practical environmental standards.
An online searchable database of existing CEs is available in the CEQ's Categorical Exclusion Explorer (discussed in my June 6, 2025, September 30, 2025, January 8, 2026, January 25, 2026, and January 30, 2026 ANP Articles) that is compatible with the CE Works pilot program which digitizes the process of completing a CE.
On April 9, 2026, the White House published the statement Presidential Message on the Masters Tournament sending the best wishes of President and First Lady Trump on the 90th edition of the Master's Tournament in its home of Augusta, Georgia. Generations of golf champions have been issued the green jacket as they leave their mark in the history of the Master's Tournament. President Trump writes:
This week at Augusta National Golf Club, players honor the past and inspire the future game of golf. All golfers know that with every triumph, there is a setback, with every loss, there is a comeback story that personifies determination and the ability to persevere and prevail when pressure is the greatest. It is what makes a true champion. In that way, the Masters stands as a tribute to our rich history and a symbol of our bright, hopeful, joyous, prosperous, and exciting future—reflecting the same American spirit of excellence that will define our Nation’s new Golden Age for generations to come.On the 90th playing of the Masters Tournament, Melania and I wish each competitor the very best in their pursuit of the prestigious Green Jacket. We congratulate the Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion and all the young women who displayed incredible skill this past weekend. And we send our best wishes to every American watching a “tradition unlike any other.”
On April 9, 2026, the White House published the statement Presidential Message on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day honoring the return of every American service member who was held prisoner during times of war. The Trump Administration vows to leave no warrior behind as evidenced in the recent rescue of the downed crewmember in Iran saving him from being captured by the Iranian Army. This day differs from National POW/MIA Recognition Day (discussed in my September 20, 2025 ANP Article) in that today recognizes those who have survived captivity and returned to the US.
President Trump writes:
No one is more deserving of our Nation’s appreciation than the former prisoners of war (POWs) who put their lives on the line for freedom’s cause and survived brutality and violence beyond all comprehension for the sake of our posterity. These brave warriors endured unthinkable atrocities, torture, mental and physical abuse, separation from family, and horrendous living conditions. Their selflessness and strength deserve our everlasting respect, and as Commander in Chief, I will never stop fighting for these exceptional heroes and all of our incredible veterans.
This year, as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, we are reminded that this milestone is possible only because brave men and women from every generation answered the call of liberty when it was in peril. As our American Flag flies high over a Nation made free by their sacrifice, the POW/MIA flag flies at federal sites just below it—a requirement I was proud to sign into law during my first term—to serve as a constant reminder of those still missing in action and our duty to account for them and bring them home.
As we pause today to celebrate the POWs who returned home, we also acknowledge their families who lived for months and years in a prison of uncertainty and fear while awaiting news of their loved ones. This unimaginable sacrifice deserves our utmost gratitude, admiration, and awe.
Our returned POWs represent the best of America. They understand what it means to serve a cause greater than self, and their names and stories should never be forgotten by a people forever in their debt. Today and every day, we honor their extraordinary sacrifices, courage, patriotism, and resilience.
On April 9, 2026, the Office of the First Lady published the statement First Lady Melania Trump’s Statement providing a transcript of her statement to the press (video below):
Good afternoon. The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.
The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.
I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.
To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note.
I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband, by chance, at a New York City party in 1998. This initial encounter with my husband is documented in detail in my book, MELANIA.
The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000, at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings.
Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.
I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements, or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter.
I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity—I was not a participant, was never on Epstein’s plane, and never visited his private island.
I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and other repulsive behavior.
The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop.
My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation. To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obligated to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me, such as The Daily Beast, James Carville, and Harper Collins UK.
Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone. Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicized. Of course, this doesn’t amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.
I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress, with the power of sworn testimony. Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record.
Then, and only then, will we have the truth.
On April 9, 2026, Day 54 of the Democrat's Partial Federal Government Shutdown, while Federal DHS workers continue to go without a paycheck but are still required to work (like the Coast Guard, FEMA, and others), the Senate is still on vacation. The House met for 3 minutes 49 seconds (to keep President Trump from making any recess appointments) where they did NOTHING to end the Democrat's shutdown nor did they do ANYTHING to make US elections safer. Here's what they actually did:
- 11:30:00 AM The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
- 11:30:35 AM The Speaker designated the Honorable Christopher H. Smith to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
- 11:30:55 AM Today's prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben.
- 11:32:27 AM SPEAKER'S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL - Pursuant to clause 13 of Rule I, the Journal of the last day's proceedings was approved.
- 11:32:36 AM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
- 11:33:15 AM Commission on the National Defense Strategy - Pursuant to section 1095 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal year 2026 (Public Law 119-60), the Democratic Leader appointed the Honorable Jane Harman of Venice, California.
- 11:33:49 AM The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to clause 13 of Rule I. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on April 13, 2026.
President Trump's Presidential Actions published in the Federal Register (FR) to date:
- 254 Executive Orders
- 137 Proclamations
- 116 Presidential Orders, Memoranda, Determinations, Permits, and Notices
On April 9, 2026, the following Presidential Documents were published in the FR:
- EO 14400 Urgent National Action To Save College Sports signed April 3, 2026 (discussed in my April 4, 2026 ANP Article)
- Proc. 11021 Strengthening Actions Taken To Adjust Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States signed April 2, 2026 (discussed in my April 3, 2026 ANP Article)
- Proc. 11020 Adjusting Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients Into the United States signed April 2, 2026 (discussed in my April 3, 2026 ANP Article)
- Sequestration Order for Fiscal Year 2027 Pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as Amended signed April 3, 2026 (discussed in my April 9, 2026 ANP Article)
LAWFARE lawsuit tracker to date:
- 316 active cases
- 22 suits filed by the Trump Administration
- 17 SCOTUS stays or motions to vacate of lower court orders
- 2 SCOTUS affirmation of lower court order
- 10 suits where judges ruled for the federal government
- 10 suits where judges ruled against the federal government
- 6 criminal prosecutions by the DOJ:
- Representative McIver,
- former FBI Director James Comey, dismissed without prejudice 11/24/2025,
- former National Security Advisor John Bolton,
- (illegal alien) Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ordered released 12/11/2025;
- New York AG Letitia A James, dismissed without prejudice 11/24/2025,
- Congressional candidate Katherine Abughazaleh
A new lawsuit California [additional plaintiffs include Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of Nevada, State of Washington, State of Arizona, State of Colorado, State of Connecticut, State of Delaware, District of Columbia, State of Illinois, State of Maine, State of Maryland, State of Michigan, State of Minnesota, State of New Jersey, State of New Mexico, State of New York, State of North Carolina, State of Oregon, State of Rhode Island, State of Vermont, Commonwealth of Virginia, State of Wisconsin, and Josh Shapiro in his official capacity as Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania] v. Trump docket # 1:26-cv-11581 filed in District Court, D. Massachusetts on April 3, 2026 about Election Integrity Executive Order where a coalition of states sued the Trump administration over the new executive order titled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections," which purports to exert federal control over election administration and limit mail-in ballots. The lawsuit seeks the following relief:
- Issue a judicial declaration that the Challenged Provisions of the EO are unconstitutional and void because they are ultra vires and violate both the separation of powers and the States’ sovereignty and authority over elections under the United States Constitution;
- Preliminarily and permanently enjoin all Defendants, except President Trump, from implementing or enforcing the Challenged Provisions of the EO;
- Award Plaintiff States their reasonable fees, costs, and expenses, including attorneys’ fees; and
- Grant any other relief as this Court may deem just and proper.
State plaintiffs are represented by the Attorney Generals of their state and Josh Shapiro is represented by the Counsel for the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This lawsuit makes the 5th lawsuit against President Trump's EO Ensuring citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections (discussed in my April 1, 2026 ANP Article). The previous 4 lawsuits are:
- DSCC [additional plaintiffs include DCCC, Democratic National Committee, Democratic Governors Association, Senate Minority Leader Schumer, and House Minority Leader Jeffries] v. Trump docket # 1:26-cv-01114 (discussed in my April 4, 2026 ANP Article)
- League of Women Voters of Massachusetts [additional plaintiffs include League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, League of Women Voters Lotte E. Scharfman Memorial Education Fund, League of Women Voters of the United States, League of Women Voters Education Fund, Association of Americans Resident Overseas, U.S. Vote Foundation, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.] v. Trump docket # 1:26-cv-11549 (discussed in my April 4, 2026 ANP Article)
- League of United Latin American Citizens [additional plaintiffs include Secure Families Initiative, and Arizona students' Association] v. Executive Office of the President docket # 1:26-cv-01132 (discussed in my April 4, 2026 ANP Article)
- NAACP [additional plaintiffs include Common Cause, Common Cause Education Fund, Black Voters Matter Fund, Inc., and BVM Capacity Building Institute, Inc.] v. Trump docket # 1:26-cv-01151 (discussed in my April 9, 2026 ANP Article)
On April 9, 2026, the White House published America 250: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of the Surrender at Appomattox recognizing the surrender of General Robert E Lee to General Ulysses S Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865 bringing the US Civil War to an end. By April 1865, General Lee's troops, the Army of Northern Virginia, were hungry, exhausted, and being relentlessly pursued by General Grant's Army of the Potomac. The Civil War pitted brother against brother tearing families and the Nation apart. General Lee's troops were entirely surrounded and cut off from reserves and supplies with no hope of success. Generals Lee and Grant met in a home in the Virginia countryside to put an end to the Civil War and begin the process of re-uniting the Nation that began in 1776. President Trump writes:
To this day, the surrender at Appomattox stands as an enduring testament to the resilience of a divided Nation, the strength and resolve of the American people, and the sacred ideals at the heart of our national identity. Today, we recommit to the eternal truth that the United States of America is blessed from on high; bound together by justice; and was, is, and will forever be one Nation under God.
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